Sandro may miss season after knee op

Sandro was forced off during the first half of Tottenham's 0-0 draw in the Premier League game at Queens Park Rangers on Saturday.

And the news that he has had surgery on the injury will come as a blow to manager Andre Villas-Boas who has selected the player 27 times already this season. The player also had a shorter summer break than many of his team-mates, as he was a key part of Brazil's Olympic team which win silver at London 2012.

Sandro's recovery schedule will be assessed over the next few days, a statement on the club's official website said.

However, it is widely expected that the 23-year-old could not return to full fitness before the end of the current campaign. The player himself seemed to be anticipating a lengthy absence when he tweeted on Wednesday: "Sorry guys, but this one really got me, the beast is hurt..."

Tottenham in July 2010 from Internacional and has established himself as a fans' favourite at White Hart Lane.
His injury could potentially see midfielder Lewis Holtby arrive from Schalke during the winter transfer window, rather than in the summer as has already been agreed. However, for that to happen it is likely the German club would demand a fee for the player, who is out of contract in June.